Hi, I’m Sugar; a retired mother of 1.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in 2018, and I’ve lost my mother to cancer too. I’m still receiving treatment now, specifically immunotherapy.
My journey began after experiencing shortness of breath, which led to my eventual diagnosis of stage 3 lung cancer in June 2018.
When I first heard the news, I felt fearful, frightened, nervous and worried. But at the same time, I was optimistic, courageous and hopeful.
After receiving my diagnosis, I started exercising more and cut down on my habit of smoking. I also ate more healthily.
My doctor recommended chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, but I did not opt for radiotherapy. My oncologist advised chemo then immunotherapy, the latter of which I’m still undergoing.
Some of anti-cancer drugs I took include
- Cisplatin
- Pemetrexed (Alimta)
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
After deciding on this treatment plan, I felt very angry and anxious, but there is a sense of motivation and hopefulness.
Thankfully, I did not experience side effects from the cancer treatments.
After treatment started, I ate better, exercised better and slept better. Apart from that, I also lowered my alcohol consumption, going from 5 drinks a week to just 2.
My cancer diagnosis has also changed my relationships with my loved ones. It’s negatively affected my intimacy with my partner. I’ve also stopped going on family trips with my kid.
In terms of my plans for the near future, I was very careful not to get COVID-19 but I’m looking at traveling through Canada this summer.
I want to be positive and happy, to live life to the fullest for as long as possible. I believe in the research, that cancer treatments are better than years ago and the survival rate is longer. I hope to be with my loved ones and enjoy every minute I have.
My biggest fear was the possibility that I would become a vegetable and that the treatments would not work. I’m always stressed when there are results of MRIs or other scans because it could either be good or bad news. I always hope for shrinkage or stability, but I try not to think about this fear at all.
Some time has passed since my diagnosis. I remain optimistic, courageous and hopeful like before, but thankful too.
Never never give up hope.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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